Ian Jackson tells The Post why he returned to St. Johns and how he expects to lead this talented bunch

Junior Red Storm shooting guard Ian Jackson takes a shot at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby before St.John’s season tips off Monday against Monmouth.Q: What makes you a confident player? A: The work I put in.

I’m in the gym like hours at night.I love the game, I love the craft, I love the feeling of getting better.

I’m chasing. Q: What are you chasing? A: Everything — greatness, wins, try to be the best player I could be.Always looking forward to getting better at something. Q: You’re in the gym at night? A: Absolutely. Q: Here at Carnesecca Arena? A: Yeah, absolutely. Q: By yourself? A: Probably a few of my friends. Q: What time is this? A: It varies on what I do the next day.

But usually I’ll probably be in here from like 7 to like 12.Or if I get in there at 8, I’ll probably be there till like the security comes and kicks me out.

For real. Q: You’re here without any teammates? A: Yeah.Yeah.

Getting my work in. Q: Who are the friends? A: These are my childhood friends. Q: Want to mention any of them? A: You got my friend Patrick, you got my friend Ty, John, Louie, Lonny.Got a little crew, yeah. Q: Those are good friends. A: Absolutely. Q: Do they go to St.

John’s or no? A: No. Q: You just call ’em up and say, “Meet me here at a certain time?” A: Yeah, and we get it done. Q: Have you ever had Zach Braziller rebound for you? A: Nah (laugh). Q: Would you consider him if he volunteered? A: He had to be serious about it and yeah, I’d consider him (laugh). Q: What should St.John’s fans expect from you this season? A: Lead the group, lead the guys, get everybody on the same page.

Get everybody to understand that winning isn’t easy.Every game matters and that to be great, everybody has to buy in.

Which I think the guys now are understanding early.I feel like I’m doing an OK job leading the group.

I got to be better, but I’m there for them.They look to me to lead them, that’s what I’m ...